Scientists at MIT develop system that detects chemical and microbial content of air samples with greater sensitivity than a dog's nose. The miniaturized detection system, coupled with machine-learning process, can identify distinctive characteristics of disease-bearing samples, matching success rates of dogs in detecting prostate cancer.
A study by Jesús Bas and Núria Sebastián found that children recognize power and social hierarchies at a young age, with older children (18 months) exhibiting surprise when the person who yielded control sat in the chair. This suggests that children can infer social status without witnessing physical dominance.
A new CAD system uses convolutional deep neural networks to identify skin cancer earlier, analyzing multiple lesions and comparing them to a 'ugly duckling' metric. The technology improved upon previous systems with 90.3% sensitivity and 89.9% specificity.
A study by New York University researchers reveals the D614G mutation in SARS-CoV-2's spike protein renders the virus up to eight times more infectious. The mutation makes the virus more resistant to being cleaved and increases its ability to infect human cells, contributing to rapid spread.
A systematic review identified approaches to tackle loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic, including robotic dogs, mindfulness, and Tai Chi. The studies showed that these interventions could be effective even with social distancing measures in place.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers has identified USP24 as a frequently missing gene in pediatric patients with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer. The gene plays a crucial role in protecting cells against errors during cell division and its loss may contribute to the development of aggressive tumors.
Researchers found that people preferred drive-through clinics due to perceived safety, convenience, and reduced contagion. The study suggests drive-through clinics could rapidly vaccinate large numbers of people, transforming the COVID-19 pandemic's trajectory.
A team of paleoclimatologists found that a prolonged megadrought in Arid Central Asia hindered human movement and reduced overland travel between eastern and western Central Asia. This climate shift, lasting 640 years from 5820-5180 BP, isolated agricultural regions and delayed cultural exchange along the proto-Silk Road.
A Phase 3 clinical trial showed that a new medication, avacopan, is more effective than treatment with glucocorticoids in keeping patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis in remission for a year. Avacopan appears to work rapidly and may prevent the accumulation of disease-related damage.
Researchers developed a ceramic fuel cell with reduced nickel content, improving stability and performance by 1.5 times compared to conventional cells. The new technology suppresses reduction-oxidation failure, allowing for frequent start-ups in applications like electric vehicles.
Using sensor-based asthma inhalers may improve control of the condition and enhance the quality of life for caregivers. The study found that non-Hispanic Black participants experienced the greatest gains in asthma symptom control.
A study found that people with a loss-of-function variant of the ACTN3 gene, which lacks skeletal muscle protein α-actinin-3, have improved cold tolerance. This is due to increased muscle tone and a shift towards slow-twitch muscle fibers.
Radiological images confirm that COVID-19 can trigger autoimmune reactions leading to rheumatoid arthritis flares and other musculoskeletal disorders. Imaging helps explain prolonged symptoms and directs patients to the right physician for treatment.
Researchers report the first-ever observation of this unique reproductive strategy in Paranapiacaba Treefrogs. The study found that 3cm-long tadpoles hatch in water pools within bromeliad plant tanks and then transfer to a nearby stream to complete their development.
A study by University of Granada researchers reveals that psychological variables contributed to increased anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women who gave birth during the pandemic reported greater stress in delivery processes and lower quality of care received.
A significant number of NHL patients achieved complete remission and progression-free survival with Kymriah, a personalized cellular therapy. The study demonstrated the durability of this approach, with most patients remaining in remission five years after treatment.
An international team of experts has demonstrated that only quantum gravity can create a specific ingredient needed for quantum computation. The proposed experiment involves cooling billions of atoms to extremely low temperatures and applying a magnetic field, which would reveal the underlying gravity if it's quantum.
The SETI Institute has launched the NASA Community College Network (NCCN) to bring NASA subject matter experts, research findings, and educational resources into science classrooms of community colleges. The program aims to amplify NASA's reach into America's community colleges where many students from underserved groups start their hi...
A team of RUDN University physicists discovered solutions to semi-classical models describing particle-like waves and calculated the ratio between gravitational interaction and charge interactions. The results suggest that gravity may play a significant role in the formation of elementary particles, particularly at the Planck scale.
Chronic increases in interleukin (IL)-17A levels in mouse blood reduce microglia activity in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. Despite this effect on cognition, spatial memory remains unaffected in mutant mice.
Researchers have created a new anion exchange membrane that overcomes the drawbacks of previous membranes, exhibiting excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability, and conductivity. The membrane's high overall performance was demonstrated in a fuel cell test, showing stable operation for 300 hours with high power density.
Researchers have used a new technique to track the reaction of Osmium in single lung cancer cells, providing crucial insights into potential cellular targets for new cancer treatments. The findings could lead to the development of sustainable and effective treatments using Osmium as a catalyst.
A study found that assessing surgery patients for frailty before surgery reduces post-operative mortality, regardless of surgical specialty. The review of national patient databases showed that frailty was a consistent risk factor for death after surgery across all specialties.
A recent study published in Diabetologia found that COVID-19 patients with diabetes have a high risk of death and hospitalization, with 21% mortality rate. Factors such as age, treatment with metformin and insulin, and liver enzyme levels were associated with increased mortality risk.
A new study from Ohio State University found that one in 10 Ohio women thought abortion was illegal due to legislative attempts to ban the practice at six weeks gestation. Women with lower socioeconomic status and those already facing structural barriers to reproductive healthcare were more likely to believe it was illegal.
Scientists develop nasal antiviral spray that prevents SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets, suggesting its effectiveness in preventing infection in people exposed to the new coronavirus. The lipopeptide-based spray is inexpensive, stable, and does not require refrigeration, making it an ideal solution for halting COVID-19 spread globally.
Research found fidaxomicin is more effective than existing TB medication at preventing growth of M. tuberculosis, including resistant strains. Fidaxomicin's in vitro activity was compared to rifampicin and showed promise as a potential new treatment for TB.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that political structure and economic conditions played a major impact on choosing livestock in ancient Europe. The research analyzed data from 101 archaeological sites across the northeastern Iberian Peninsula, revealing significant changes in livestock use over time.
Researchers used bacteria Bacillus cohnii to create self-healing concrete that can repair small fissures within 28 days, extending the lifespan of structures by up to 4 times. This innovative material is particularly relevant for construction in seismically risky areas and high-humidity regions.
A new study by Penn State researchers demonstrates that facilitating researcher-policymaker interactions can influence legislators' thinking about policy issues and drafting legislation. Participating legislative offices sponsored more bills containing research language, and members showed a modest increase in believing research eviden...
A study of over 1,700 young people exposed to major hurricanes found that most experienced recovery or low-decreasing post-traumatic stress symptoms. The trajectories among youth reflected a need for health surveillance systems and stepped care interventions after disasters.
A new anti-inflammatory nanotherapy has shown promising results in reducing intestinal inflammation and shrinking lesions in a rodent model of severe Crohn's disease. The approach could potentially replace biologic antibody therapies with fewer side effects.
A study by University of Chicago researchers found that some neurons in the brain can compensate for the loss of their neighboring neuron, a process known as synaptic plasticity. However, not all neurons have this capacity, and the remaining neuron's ability to compensate depends on its functional properties.
Researchers will investigate climate-resistant oats and develop innovative products with industrial partners. The project aims to promote the health, economic, and environmental benefits of growing oats in Wales and Ireland.
Researchers from the UOC analyzed 18 blockchain-based multimedia content protection systems, identifying gaps in research and shortcoming in interoperability, scalability, and design. The study proposes a taxonomy to guide development of blockchain-based copyright protection systems.
Researchers developed a new X-ray imaging scanner that provides surgeons with a full 3D image of extracted tissue lumps, allowing for improved detection of diseased tissue. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the need for repeat operations in breast cancer patients.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development argue that neural variability is a key dimension for understanding brain-behavior relationships. Studies have shown that neural variability has a direct influence on behavior, with individuals who can adapt their neural variability performing better on tasks.
A study published in PNAS documents changes associated with prolonged anesthesia in the brains of mice, revealing significant alterations in synaptic architecture. The findings support reports of post-hospital cognitive dysfunction and suggest a physical link between cognitive impairment and prolonged medically induced coma.
A recent study published in Social Psychology and Personality Science found that women with abdominal fat are more stigmatized than those with gluteofemoral fat. The research team also discovered that body shape plays a significant role in driving fat stigma, regardless of weight or ethnicity.
Research found that morning exercise was associated with higher risks of developing coronary heart disease in men, while midday exercise had lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels. The study suggests that timing of physical activity may play a role in cardiovascular health outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Hospital admissions in the UK due to food-induced anaphylaxis have more than tripled over the past 20 years. Despite this increase, the death rate from food-induced anaphylaxis has halved, according to research published in The BMJ.
Researchers at UMass Lowell have developed a new 3D imaging technique that uses specialized dye to better visualize human tissue inside the body. The technology, funded by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, has the potential to revolutionize medical imaging and improve diagnosis accuracy for breast cancer and other diseases.
A study by West Virginia University found that top sleep trackers can accurately measure total sleep time and sleep efficiency, but struggle with sleep staging accuracy. Researchers tested eight commercial sleep trackers and found that some devices overestimated or underestimated sleep metrics, while others were unable to quantify slee...
Researchers found that microbes from termite species can break down lignin, the toughest of three polymers in straw, up to 37%. The microbes also efficiently degrade hemicelluloses and cellulose, which could lead to increased biofuel production.
A new longitudinal study examines relations between parenting, culture, and prosocial behaviors in U.S. Mexican youth, finding both universal and culturally-specific factors contribute to fostering helpful behavior. Cultural practices like ethnic socialization and familism values play a crucial role in supporting prosocial development.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego will investigate psilocybin's safety and efficacy in treating chronic phantom limb pain. The study aims to elucidate brain mechanisms involved, including possible alterations in brain circuitry.
A recent CT scan study of the mummy of Pharaoh Seqenenre-Taa-II provides new insights into his death, revealing that he was executed by multiple attackers and that embalmers skillfully concealed some head wounds. The study also suggests that Seqenenre was about 40 years old at the time of his death.
Researchers have developed a new tool to address disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) by targeting blood clots with nanogel spheres loaded with tissue-type plasminogen activator. In vivo studies show promising results in rat models and in vitro tests using DIC patient blood plasma.
Researchers from Duke University found that mental health struggles in early life can lead to premature aging and advanced diseases in adulthood. Investing in prompt mental health care could prevent later diseases and lower societal healthcare costs.
A recent study highlights the complex relationship between climate change and forest management in driving wildfires. Climate change is found to be the primary driver of increasing fires in some ecosystems, while fire suppression dominates in others. The research reveals that local responses to these factors can vary greatly within ind...
Adequate birth spacing may help alleviate stunting in Indian children, according to a Cornell University study. The study found that when children are born at least three years after their older siblings, the height gap between them disappears.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified an antibody that removes amyloid plaques from brain tissue and blood vessels, improving vessel function without raising the risk of brain bleeds. This breakthrough discovery offers a potentially safer approach to treating Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Researchers have discovered that combining copper-silver ionization with lower amounts of chlorine can decrease disinfection byproducts and cell toxicity in chlorinated pool water. This approach may help mitigate respiratory problems, such as asthma, associated with swimming pool exposure.
Researchers have discovered a way to prevent cell death in the hearts of people with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a genetic disease that can lead to sudden cardiac death. By inhibiting two mitochondrial proteins, cell death can be prevented, offering new therapeutic options for those affected.
A newly engineered peptide has been shown to prevent virus transmission among ferrets when given two days prior to co-housing with infected animals. The peptide's stability and effectiveness in reducing infection rates make it a promising candidate for developing an intranasal prophylaxis treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in humans.
A recent study found that between 2010 and 2017, 60% of Spanish children actively commuted to school, with no significant variations observed during this period. The researchers attributed the stable trend to efforts in promoting measures for increasing active commuting.
The ESMO Virtual Plenaries will present original scientific data from randomised phase III and phase II oncology trials, showcasing remarkable therapeutic benefits and progress in unmet areas. The platform aims to accelerate the transition from research to practice, benefiting cancer patients worldwide.
A new DNA biomarker method can screen pregnant women for prenatal environmental contaminants, predicting childhood developmental disorders and chronic illness. The approach has the potential to prevent health problems through early identification of high-risk children.
Thyroid hormone doesn't operate as a straight-on/off switch but rather shifts the balance between gene activity, revealing a more nuanced mechanism of action. This discovery has significant implications for understanding metabolic diseases and developing targeted therapies.
Children in a social skills program with therapy dogs improved their moods and engagement levels, with many crediting the dogs for emotional well-being benefits. The study found that canine-assisted interventions can provide unique advantages in building social skills.